Dongfeng Forthing Thunder Review — Range, Space, Performance, Features & Is It Worth Buying?

1. The 410 km CLTC-rated range delivers a higher real-world attainment rate, with users reporting up to 600 km in urban driving and around 480 km on highways, outperforming many entry-level electric SUVs in the same segment. Energy consumption remains within an efficient range, providing strong peace of mind for daily commuting, city trips, and short road travel. Overall, it is one of the most stable models in its class in terms of range performance.
2. The Leiting offers unusually generous dimensions and storage capacity for its price segment (a 541 L trunk, 36 storage compartments, and a seat configuration expandable to 1,480 L). The cabin provides ample seating space with high long-distance comfort. With suspension tuned for comfort and a solid chassis, the vehicle delivers stable performance in both city and highway driving, making it well-suited for family trips and a wide variety of daily use scenarios.
3. In urban settings, the vehicle offers agile steering and excellent visibility, while the 7-seat layout easily accommodates frequent needs such as school runs and multi-person commuting. Even when facing complex road conditions such as those in Altay, Xinjiang, the vehicle maintains strong stability, quietness, and driver confidence. It is a practical electric SUV capable of handling both daily city mobility and long-distance journeys.

1. Although the vehicle features mainstream technologies such as AR-HUD, voice control, and navigation, its operational logic is relatively complex, and the response speed requires some adjustment. Compared with models from emerging EV brands, the smoothness and convenience of its intelligent interaction still have room to improve. Users who are highly sensitive to tech features may want to test the system in advance to ensure compatibility with their preferences.
2. While the 7-seat layout accommodates multi-passenger travel, the third-row seat cushions are relatively short with insufficient support and wrapping, making them suitable mainly for short-distance or occasional use. In addition, the second row cannot recline, and some trims lack third-row ventilation, so seating arrangements may need to be planned carefully for long trips with multiple passengers.
3. The suspension prioritizes comfort, resulting in only average lateral support during spirited driving or a series of tight corners. Compared with sport-oriented models, it offers less agile handling feedback and is better suited to users who prefer a smooth, steady driving style. Consumers seeking a more aggressive or dynamic driving experience may need to consider this carefully.

Overview — Market Positioning, Pricing & Target Users

Basic Information — Model, Specs & Key Dimensions

Configuration

Maintenance Costs and Manufacturer Services

Subsidies and Policies — Global EV Incentives

Competitive Comparison — Forthing Thunder vs Yuan Pro, Yueyi 03 & AION Y

1. Range & Energy Efficiency
     The Forthing Thunder 410 Elite Edition offers a CLTC range of 410 km, placing it in the lower-middle tier among the four models. Its energy consumption of 13.8 kWh/100 km is slightly higher than that of the Yuan Pro (12.5) and the AION Y (13.6), making its overall efficiency fairly average. The Yueyi 03 stands out clearly within the comparison group with a 565 km range and a lower 13.2 kWh/100 km consumption—although its larger size and higher positioning limit the direct comparability. Considering range, energy use, and typical usage scenarios, the Thunder is optimized for household commuting, sufficient for daily urban travel but not as strong in long-distance capability as the Yueyi 03.
2. Charging Performance
     Fast-charging times for the Forthing Thunder, Yuan Pro, and AION Y are all around 0.5 hours, placing them at the same charging-efficiency level. The Yueyi 03 leads with a quicker 0.4-hour fast charge. Overall, the Thunder delivers mainstream charging performance for its segment—though not as fast as Yueyi 03, its stability in typical daily charging scenarios fully meets household needs without notable drawbacks.
3. Power Performance
     The Forthing Thunder is equipped with a 150 kW motor, tuned for everyday comfort and family use. The Yuan Pro's 100 kW motor is entry-level for the segment and significantly weaker than the Thunder's. The AION Y also offers 150 kW, comparable to the Thunder, though with slightly lower torque. The Yueyi 03 leads the group with 180 kW, giving it superior acceleration and stronger high-speed passing power. Overall, Thunder's performance is family-oriented, prioritizing smoothness and controllability.
4. Space & Practicality
     With dimensions of 4600 × 1860 × 1680 mm, the Forthing Thunder is the largest model among the four, giving it a clear advantage in interior space. Its 430–1350 L cargo capacity exceeds that of the Yuan Pro and AION Y and is close to Yueyi 03's 450–1300 L, resulting in a well-balanced space-expansion capability. While the Yueyi 03 is slightly longer, its lower height gives it a sportier interior feel. Overall, the Forthing Thunder delivers superior family-oriented space usability within this model group.
5. Technology & Driver Assistance
     The Thunder provides a well-rounded set of intelligent features, including a rear-view camera, Sport + ECO drive modes, power windows throughout, and multiple USB ports. In comparison, the Yueyi 03 and AION Y feature 360° panoramic cameras, providing an advantage in advanced driver assistance and enhanced visibility. The Yuan Pro focuses on basic entry-level equipment. Overall, the Thunder offers sufficient and balanced tech configurations, though its imaging and visibility systems are somewhat less advanced than those of Yueyi 03 and AION Y.
6. Comfort Features:
     The Thunder comes standard with a power driver's seat and a small sunroof, with comfort settings oriented toward family use. The Yueyi 03 features an openable panoramic sunroof with better visibility and openness, and the AION Y also provides a large openable sunroof that enhances the sense of space. The Yuan Pro offers configurations similar to Thunder. Overall, the Thunder's comfort features are adequate and stable, but its sunroof specifications and visual experience are slightly behind those of the Yueyi 03 and AION Y.

Real-world Review — Driving Impressions & Energy Consumption

1. With a 541 L trunk, 36 storage compartments, generous rear-seat space, and seat expansion up to 1,480 L, the Forthing Thunder offers significantly better practicality than other small/compact EV SUVs at the same price point—an advantage highly valued by family users.
2. Among compact electric SUVs, the Thunder delivers clear value-for-money strengths thanks to its 410 km range, fast-charging capability, and rich configuration, including leather seats and dual screens.

1. The base configuration focuses mainly on essential features and lacks more advanced driver-assistance systems (such as L2+ capabilities, lidar, and widespread availability of 360° panoramic imaging), offering limited appeal to tech-oriented users.
2. Real-world urban energy consumption of around 14.3 kWh/100 km is normal but not outstanding. Its high-speed range retention and winter range stability still require further verification and refinement.

1. The Thunder demonstrates characteristics of being easy to drive and energy-efficient. In low-speed and congested traffic, its energy consumption is stable with a predictable rate of battery usage and no signs of exaggerated range estimates. Steering is light, throttle response is natural, and the in-car navigation and basic assistance features are sufficient, making daily commuting relaxed and effortless. Overall, experience leans toward balanced, practical usability.
2. The Thunder maintains stable range performance and controllable energy use, meeting the needs of 200–300 km short road trips. The cabin offers generous seating space and excellent storage capacity, easily accommodating luggage for multi-person travel. Driving feels smooth, with a solid and composed chassis that maintains comfort even over long periods. It is a typical family-oriented electric SUV optimized for light travel and everyday usability.

Real User Reviews — Owner Feedback Summary

Positive Feedback

Premium & Dynamic Exterior Design

1. "The tech features are rich, and the cabin comfort is excellent."
2. "The interior design is commendable, and the exterior has a youthful styling."

Strong Real-World Range Performance

1. "For EVs, I care most about real-world range, and the Thunder didn’t disappoint. It can reach about 600 km in the city, and around 480 km on highways with steady cruising."
2. "Great value for money, and the range is solid."

Negative Feedback

Interior material quality feels average

1. "The interior design is good, but the materials feel average."
2. "The interior ages over time."

Infotainment system lag

1. "The infotainment system is weak and cannot be upgraded; the rear-view camera sometimes lags."

References